Input on proposed HO switching layout

[FCIN]

Ed,I did some research on the Lapeer Industrial Railroad and feel your current design captures the LIRR

That comment made my day. Capturing the look of the LIRR is what I'm after. Not sure if I'll call my layout the LIRR or not and since I've added tracks/customers and so forth it will probably just be my own imaginary railroad, but the track arrangement at the interchange is what really got me interested in this line. There are several similar operations around the country - Landisville Railroad in Pennsylvania is another interesting line with lots of operating potential, which I have also considered; but the LIRR is just better suited to my tastes.

I couldn't find a led on those mystery industries either.

I tried all sorts of searches: manufacturing, businesses, etc., even searched for things that could be found on Demille Blvd and the other road - Nuttin'!!!! I did find one photo taken on the LIRR that shows their 65 tonner spotting tank cars at "Unknown Industry No. 1", but still no clues as to what it might be. From what little you could see in the photo, building is rather plain looking, but there are a couple of vertical tanks on the track side. Tank cars appeared to be of the chemical variety.

I suspect by now you know I fancy switching layouts and short lines...

I'm in good company then! I've always preferred short lines and/or switching layouts to anything else. I've traveled to, photographed, even mapped out a lot of short lines in the mid-west over the years, looking for that perfect prototype to model. I even checked out the now gone Pioneer & Fayette Railroad with its 1/2 mile of track and one customer in southwest Ohio!